As the cylindrical sp(2)-bonded carbon allotrope, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely used to reinforce bulk materials such as polymers, ceramics, and metals. However, both the concept demonstration and the fundamental understanding on how 1D CNTs reinforce atomically thin 2D layered materials, such as graphene, are still absent. Here, we demonstrate the successful synthesis of CNT-toughen...

Superfine pigments that consist of natural and artificial pigments and are made of mineral soil with special characteristics are used in cementitious materials for various purposes. These pigments can decrease the amount of cement needed without loss of performance and strength and also change the monotonous and turbid colours of concrete into various attractive and light colours. In this study...

The present study aims to obtain the tensile properties of early age concrete based on a uniaxial tension test employing RC slender members. First, the paper shows that concrete strain is equal to the strain of rebar at the mid-span of the RC member. The tensile Young's modulus and the strain capacity of early age concrete are estimated using strain measurements. The experiment indicated that t...

Rammed Earth (RE) is enjoying a renewed interest in North America. Contemporary stabilized rammed earth (SRE) builds upon traditional RE and incorporates rigid insulation and reinforcing steel, enhancing the structural and energy performance of the walls while satisfying current building codes. RE structures are currently engineered by licensed Structural Engineers using the Concrete Building C...

The inhibition effect of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) extract on the corrosion behaviour of embedded mild steel rebar in concrete has been investigated by electrochemical potential measurement, pH and gravimetric (weight loss) methods. The results were further analysed using the two-factor ANOVA test. The experiments were performed using bitter leaf extract as a green inhibitor in 3.5% sod...